The Smallart U-Host is a tiny, hackable computing device that runs on Android 4.0. The folks at CNXSoft just reviewed the Mini PC and found it to be a capable little device. It’s easy enough to understand out of the box for mainstream users with Android experience and a treasure trove of customization for those with a hacker bent.

Smallart U-Host Mini PC

The U-Host Mini PC resembles a largish USB Flash drive, but the connector sticking out of one end is HDMI, not USB. Users can plug the device right into an HDTV or HD monitor. If you want easier access to the ports, the unit comes with a short HDMI extension cord.

Other ports include a USB host port, mini USB, microSD and a microphone jack. Users can plug the U-Host into a PC and use it as a storage drive as well as a standalone PC.

The most obvious usage for this little guy is as a media player/SmartTV. It has access to the Google Play store, so owners can download compatible media apps. And it’s simple enough to sideload content.

However, CNX found that video codec support isn’t as wide as they would like. Perhaps when VLC Player for Android is final this won’t be a problem.

As mini PCs go, the Smallart U-Host appears pretty decent for $70. Click over to CNXSoft to read the full review.

Support Liliputing

Liliputing's primary sources of revenue are advertising and affiliate links (if you click the "Shop" button at the top of the page and buy something on Amazon, for example, we'll get a small commission).

But there are several ways you can support the site directly even if you're using an ad blocker* and hate online shopping.

Contribute to our Patreon campaign

or...

Contribute via PayPal

* If you are using an ad blocker like uBlock Origin and seeing a pop-up message at the bottom of the screen, we have a guide that may help you disable it.

Subscribe to Liliputing via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 9,545 other subscribers

2 replies on “Smallart U-Host Mini PC reviewed”

  1. This is apparently the same as the Oval Elephant unit. (which has a uHost splash screen)
    I’ve been working with the Oval Elephant unit, and I’m very impressed, it boots directly into English Android 4.0, and runs very well. My jaw dropped when I was able to play a 1080p video from a samba share with almost no choking when a Mele a1000 rand the same share as a near slide show.
    The unit does run hot as does its brethren but seems to reach a safe equilibrium.
    Oval elephant also sells an air mouse which does not require a dongle and works quite well.

Comments are closed.